MarkW

Out of interest here is the press release for the 350Z in the UK:

On 17 March at 3.50pm Nissan GB’s dealers will start taking orders for the Nissan 350Z. Customers will be able to take delivery from 1 October but only 450 are likely to be so lucky in 2003. Demand is therefore expected to be huge. Especially as over 4,000 Z fans in the UK have so far registered with Nissan as being interested in buying one.

There’ll be two models, the standard Nissan 350Z priced at £24,000 and the 350Z ‘GT Pack’ at £26,500. Both share the same pure, sports car formula i.e. seats only for two, rear-wheel drive, dramatic styling and equally dramatic performance from a front-mounted, 3.5-litre V6 engine pumping out around 280PS. Acceleration to 62mph will take less than six seconds.

The Nissan 350Z was designed to appeal to car enthusiasts the world over but there have been developments specifically to tune it for Europe’s demanding roads and drivers. The radiator, for example, is larger because our average speeds are higher and journey times are longer, and so consequently is the fuel tank. Powerful, race-developed Brembo brakes are standard on all 350Zs sold in Europe, as are xenon headlights with a wash function – again because our driving needs and the car’s performance demand them. Externally, our 350Z has 18 inch alloy wheels and a body kit comprising a front air dam, rear spoiler and rear diffuser which reduces the drag co-efficient to 0.29 and ensures zero lift at speed. And we have the added security of standard ESP (electronic stability programme) as well as twin front, side and curtain airbags.

Because Nissan expects owners will be spending a lot of time in the 350Z’s low slung driving position – you won’t want to get out – a lot of convenience spec has been included. There’s electronic climate control fitted to keep the driver cool if the excitement gets a bit too much. Plus Nissan has included an integrated, hands-free mobile phone system and a trip computer to ease the boredom and frustration of being in a 350Z that’s stuck in traffic. Alternatively, the standard model has a 160W radio and in-dash 6CD autochanger but Nissan suspects most drivers will prefer to play with the 280PS, naturally aspirated V6 engine. Even on idle. With an exhaust note specially tuned for maximum aural pleasure, the 350Z’s throttle demands to be blipped.

The UK is one of the few markets to fit an alarm to its 350Z, unfortunate but necessary, and we also have an electric folding facility for the heated door mirrors. All that leaves just two options available on the £24,000 350Z: metallic paint at £295 and for another £1000, 18" forged alloy, weight saving wheels from the specialist manufacturer RAYS for those who feel the standard car isn’t good looking, quick handling or fast enough … there won’t be many.

The same two options are also offered on the higher specified 350Z ‘GT Pack’ priced at £26,500. Externally, it looks the same as the standard 350Z. But open one of the doors (using a handle that’s pure automotive jewellery, incidentally) and the differences are revealed: heated, electrically adjustable sports seats upholstered in black leather, cruise control and a BOSE 240W, seven speaker audio system. A unique-to-the-‘GT-Pack’ option is Alezan Orange leather upholstery and interior trim. It’s an extra £350, very bright and very orange. And so is only offered with certain colours.

When orders start on 17 March, Nissan reckons the ‘GT Pack’ model will dominate UK sales. Customers will have to go to a Nissan dealer to order where the car’s features can be best explained by a dedicated 350Z specialist. When the order is placed on-line by the dealer specialist, and a refundable £2000 deposit handed over, a number on the 350Z waiting list is immediately allocated at headquarters. A short time later, the customer will be given an approximate delivery date. From this point on, till the happy day of delivery, the customer will continue to receive updates and contact from Nissan about the progress of his or her 350Z. Nissan also hopes to invite prospective customers to special 350Z focused events.

The 4,000 or so people who registered their names with Nissan will be receiving notification of the ordering process this week. And the special website, www.nissan-350Z.co.uk, is being updated with this information – already it’s received over 54,000 hits, many from people simply drooling over the pictures. With the European spec 350Z unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 4 March and more publicity around the car, the number of people wanting to join Club Z will only get bigger and the demand for those first 450 cars even greater. So don’t be surprised if you see a number of tents pitched outside Nissan dealers on the night of 16 March.

tinck

Yes very nice and all that but............ but............. but, no where for my mate and his missus/mistress , more cash, no extra doors, bit plasticky inside, and not really for me.

Bet its fast though.!!

Lensman

I've been hooked on the 350Z for 6 months and fully intended to buy one. A couple of weeks ago my emphasis shifted to the RX-8 and today I ordered the Mazda. A few minutes later I spotted this thread and the Z prices. I have to admit we're getting a great deal. I'd estimated that the equivalent of the track model Z would be easily £8K more than it evidently is. Scary. Have I done the right thing with the RX-8? Can I cope with that lack of torque? Will I go away and stop whinging now?